Women-led CBO Federation leading Southern coir sector development

The ‘Women-led CBO Federation’, which brings together 49 Community Based Organisations (CBO) is providing the technical and institutional support necessary for coir sector development in the South.

The Southern coir industry, which is composed of more than 98 per cent women, suffered a significant set back in 2004, when the tsunami destroyed coir producing units (beach coir pits, lagoon coir pits and coir mills) and equipment (mainly manual coir yarn spinning machines).

The revival of this industry was made a priority in the post tsunami development plans of several Government and non-governmental organisations. Based on the recommendations of Oxfam Great Britain (GB), which has been actively involved with the rehabilitation of this sector, 205 Self Help Groups (SHG) came together to form registered CBOs, and eventually, the “Women-led CBO Federation”.

The Women-led CBO Federation was inaugurated on July 29 in Matara, under the auspices of the Governor of the South, Kumari Balasooriya.

The Federation actively promotes and supports female coir workers as the owners and managers of the assets, resources and processes of this industry. By providing technical, administrative and financial guidance, the Federation enables the continued capacity building of this industry.

The Federation has increased access to improved production techniques, high quality raw materials and more lucrative markets for coir workers.

Through the development of effective CBOs and the Federation, these women have been awarded greater power in the market, and are lobbying for recognition of the coir industry by Government as a cottage industry in the South.

Oxfam GB’s coir sector development programme was initiated in five Divisional Secretariat Divisions in the Southern district, as part of the organisations post tsunami development programme.

Over the last couple of years, Oxfam GB has helped coir workers identify and build links with agencies involved with the industry, so that they have increased accessibility to markets and training programmes.

These opportunities have allowed for the development of entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Evaluation of the Oxfam GB’s coir sector development programme has shown that it has helped more than 3,400 families.